Need to get a gooseneck ball put in my truck. Want one that is removeable so I still have a flat bed area. Looking at the B&W one, anyone with experience with this one. How hard is it to install, or would anyone suggest another brand. Don't want to have to drill any holes in frame. Thanks in advance

I have no experience with the hitch that you mention but you can drill holes in the frame in the verticle surfaces. That is proper and legal and will not weaken the frame.

I had the "Hidden Hitch" installed in mine by Ashland Hitch here in Richmond. The ball will tilt over and go under the bed with one little wrench. It does require drilling the frame which is the strongest way to do it. All you have once the ball is hidden is the plate and the emergency tie downs showing which are at the same level and my bed mat anyway. Very professional install using grade eight bolts and they even painted the hitch parts to match the frame after installation. Hope this helps you out.

Thanks for the info, will look at the hidden hitch as well.

Has anyone used this one? I just ran across it:<br><br>una-goose (http://www.una-goose.com/index.html)

I have a B and W turnoverball in mine.<br><br>The install was pretty easy except getting the torque wrench in some of the areas was kind of tough. The only drilling was the 4&quot; hole in the middle of the bed and 4 smaller holes for the safety chain hooks.<br><br>I looked at the Una-goose but I didn't want to drill into the frame. Also, I think it was about $100 more than the turnoverball.

Have you tried the 5th wheel add on with it? I plan on a goose neck most the time, but want the option to pull a 5th also.

Get the B&amp;W it's the best around.

Yea but you are biased ;D

I found a couple of others, Diamond Hitch and Cody Hitch, both have good designs and will clamp to frame ( no frame drilling). I bought a Diamond flat bed kit,( just the coupler no frame work) and have fabricated my own clamp on style for my new '03. 8) I think Diamonds ball coupler is a stoke of genius. Check them both out though.

One more suggestion. <br><br>I have a Draw Tite &quot;Remova Ball&quot; that's been in the truck for close to 5 years. The reason I bought this hitch is becuase you don't have to reach under the fender to release the ball. The release mechanizim is in the bed of the truck. We have 2 turnover balls on the farm and in the winter time they sometimes will get frozen and the release will not work. :(<br><br>http://www.draw-tite.com/<br><br>I had mine professionaly installed, didn't want to risk 30,000lbs coming loose and running into the back of my truck. :o<br><br>Good Luck and happy hauling.<br>Darrell

I haven't used the 5th wheel setup with mine. There is someone on www.irv2.com that has been talking about theirs though. He said that it is a good hitch but it was flexing a bit and he had to modify it. B&amp;W may have updated the hitch by now, however. All in all I think it is a good setup. I haven't had any problems with mine in the winter, but, I haven't switched it much either.<br><br>

Reese said their sister organization Draw-tite has a gooseneck that will fit the new 2003 Ram, haven't seen it, but will be checking it out soon.

Check out the question i posted on the &quot;5th wheel converter&quot; on this forum.. someone posted a link to a mfg that had a very impressive looking under bed mounting system that could be used either with a ball.. or with a fifth wheel mount..<br><br>good luck

Thanks,<br>I looked at that Draw-Tite hitch. I was wondering about the B&amp;W with snow and mud and such and that underneath latch system. Place in town sells B&amp;W, have to drive or pay shipping for Draw-Tite. How much hasssle is B&amp;W with stuff plugging latch system underneath.

I just had the B&amp;W installed with the 5th wheel. Biggest problem I see with it is if you are parked the wrong place emty,a good man could have most of it in about 5 sec.<br>I run emty a lot so have rigged a cable thru the GN saftey and the head fits in the tool box.<br>I had a ? when I was shopping. What is the rating on those 4 little pins that hold most of them in the bed? I couldn't get answer. Maybe wrong dealers!!!??? :)<br><br>

<br>I just had the B&amp;W installed with the 5th wheel. Biggest problem I see with it is if you are parked the wrong place emty,a good man could have most of it in about 5 sec.<br>I run emty a lot so have rigged a cable thru the GN saftey and the head fits in the tool box.<br>I had a ? when I was shopping. What is the rating on those 4 little pins that hold most of them in the bed? I couldn't get answer. Maybe wrong dealers!!!??? :)<br><br><br><br><br><br>A good man ? [eyecrazy]

<br>Thanks,<br>I looked at that Draw-Tite hitch. I was wondering about the B&amp;W with snow and mud and such and that underneath latch system. Place in town sells B&amp;W, have to drive or pay shipping for Draw-Tite. How much hasssle is B&amp;W with stuff plugging latch system underneath.<br><br><br>We have to B&amp;W hitches on are farm trucks, one is a Dodge v10 and the other is a 78 Ford. These trucks live in the dirt and the mud and that is were we ran into the problems of the hitches freezing up in the winter time. If we would clean the trucks every now and then it probeble wouldn't be as bad. ::)<br><br>It's probeble not a big problem on a street drivin truck, and it's easy to get them unfrozen with a swift smack with a hammer. :)<br><br>Darrell

I use The Hidden Hitch one on my 2002. Makes for a nice look when they sprayed in the bedliner around it, kinda made it look flat. Nice ball hitch, just keep it greased.

My dad's got one where the ball screws into the bed of his. Had it there for about 4 years now and no problems yet. Pull a 3 horse gooseneck constantly with it and it hasn't failed yet. Unscrews real easy and threads in perfect everytime. I'm saving up for a hitch and brake controller now that I have all the gauges and the power where I want it (till I hit college ;)). Been wanting to show dad how crappy that 6.5 is. ;D

Here is the link to the goose neck hitch I have rated at 25k lbs.<br><br>http://www.putnamhitch.com/Gooseneck/lockload.htm<br><br>I have had it for 3 years with no problems and nice to have a flat load surface.